The first concert in the United States (Japanese)

Interest in Japan stemmed from his mother and grandmother’s stories Learning Japanese traditions by observing his mother and grandmother Embraces his Japanese heritage Never sang Enka outside the family Coming to Japan Dreamed of becoming an Enka singer His clothes are part of his identity Hopes everyone pursues their dreams regardless of race or heritage Trying to convey the meaning of the songs Nikkei Sansei Considers Pittsburg his home, but always wanted to live in Japan Singing the way I sing (Japanese) "Harebutai" (Japanese) Getting on Kohaku (Japanese) The first concert in the United States (Japanese)

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(Japanese) More than any difference in the fans—naturally, in the states, I think, both Nikkei and Americans alike were there at the concert, so of course, being that it was my first performance in the United States, I was worried whether or not my voice would be understood by the audience, but with everyone clapping along, I really felt that my message got across to them, and it felt really good to be up there performing.

Date: March 30, 2010
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Yoko Nishimura
Contributed by: Interview by Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum. Courtesy of Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

enka identity music